My heart hammered against my ribs as I looked from my husband to his pregnant mistress.

She gave me a tiny, sympathetic nod that did not reach her calculating eyes.

“It’s just for my safety,” Courtney whispered, adjusting her sweater over her lap.

I felt the walls of my own home closing in around me.

My phone buzzed sharply in my pocket.

I pulled it out slowly, keeping my eyes fixed on my husband’s face.

It was an email notification from the independent chemical analyst.

The subject line read: *Urgently Confidential: Chemical Analysis Results.*

My thumb hovered over the screen as Jared took a step toward me.

I slipped the phone back into my pocket before he could see the screen.

“Of course,” I said, my voice remarkably steady. “If Harlan Media’s security deems it necessary.”

Jared paused, his eyes narrowing slightly at my sudden compliance.

“I’m glad you’re being reasonable, Shelby,” he said.

Courtney let out a soft, relieved sigh, though her lips curved into a triumphant line.

“Thank you, Shelby,” she murmured. “I know this is a lot to ask.”